FAQ

FAQ's for Band Parents

It can be a daunting task for parents that are new to the
world of school band and orchestra to know where to begin to get information
about their child's musical needs. The best place to start is with their band or
orchestra director. They will help with some of the questions that parents have
regarding which instrument is best fitted to their child and how to go about
acquiring the instrument. The following are some of the more common questions
that parents ask us after their child has received their instrument:

Q. What does the teacher mean when they tell me to
purchase #2 reeds? Do they come in inches?

A. What the teacher is
referring to is the strength of the reed. The lower the number the softer the
reed is and the easier it is to get a tone. The higher the number the harder the
reed is, the harder it is to get a tone but the fuller and stronger the sound
becomes. The progression is at the directors or teachers recommendation.

Q. What do you mean I have to give the trumpet a
bath?

A. As your student plays their trumpet it will acquire a
build up in the valve casings, inside the trumpet and slides. When you give the
trumpet a "bath" you soak all the pieces (except the valves themselves) in tepid
water to release the "gunk" and using the snake, clean out all the slides and
the inside of the trumpet. See your instructor or your local music store for
more details.

Q. My son/daughter got their
mouthpiece stuck. Can I use pliers to remove it?

A. Only if you
want to pay us to re-solder all the broken braces and joints. Bring the
instrument to us and we will pull the mouthpiece at no cost.

Q. What instruments do you
rent?

A. Baum's rental or rent to own program is for students in
public or private band or orchestra program or who are studying with one of our
private teachers. The instruments that are available to rent are student
level-both new and used-flutes, oboes, clarinets, bass clarinets,
soprano/alto/tenor saxophones, trumpets, trombones, horns, baritones, bell kits
and snare drum kits.

Q. What is the advantage of renting a
student instrument over buying?

A. For most beginning band
students, the decision of what instrument to play can be confusing and sometimes
the wrong instrument is chosen. Instead of having a closet full of unwanted
instruments the rent to own program allows the student to find the right
instrument and as payments are made, the full amount goes towards the purchase
of the instrument. Parents can always pay off the contract early with a
discount.

Q. Can I change instruments during
the rental program?

A. You can change instruments at any time
during the rental program as long as the contract is current and the instrument
is in good working order. However, the second instrument starts over with a new
agreement. All payments made on each contract apply only to that instrument. The
instrument belongs to Baum's Music until it is completely paid off.

Q. Why does a woodwind instrument
need adjustments?

A. All instruments are delicate; however,
woodwind instruments have pads and small springs that can cause the instrument
to develop leaks. Talk to your band director or your local music store for the
best ways to maintain the instrument.

Q. How often should we have our
instrument in for a "tune-up"?

A. This depends on the instrument
and how well it is taken care of. A brass instrument that is given a bath
regularly only needs work if it is bumped or dropped. A woodwind instrument may
need more regular care because of bent keys or pads drying out. Usually we
recommend having a check-up if the student is having problems playing. It could
be the fault of the instrument being out of adjustment instead of the student
not being able to play properly.